19/11/2020 - OUR JUSTIFICATION

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For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. Romans 4:2

Justification is the biblical term used to explain what happens in the life of the one who converts to Christ, by accepting the Savior’s sacrifice for him on the cross. Man had separated himself from God after Adam’s disobedience in Eden, by eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9). But, by the blood of the Lamb, man was acquitted.

The work that justifies us was fulfilled in the death of Christ. It began when He replaced us, taking upon Himself our transgressions and iniquities. At Calvary, Jesus took our mistakes placed upon Him, and the Father could not bear to see Him covered with the transgressions of humanity. The Creator turned His face and left, and the Savior shouted: My God, why have you forsaken me? (Mark 15:34b).

Jesus suffered two deaths on the cross. The first was spiritual, the separation of someone from God, like it happened to Adam in Paradise. In bearing our errors, He became sin and was forsaken by the Father. Christ paid our debt. Thus, the Lord cannot deny forgiveness to anyone who accepts what the Son has done for us. Jesus acquitted us!

The second death was physical, which occurred after the Redeemer saw that all the sins of humanity were upon Himself. So He cried out in a loud voice: It is finished! (John 19:30b). So he gave up His spirit and expired. His body was prepared and placed in a grave, given by Joseph of Arimathea. His spirit went down to Hell, and when they saw HIm, Satan and the demons rejoiced, because they thought they would have Him with them forever.

While he was there, the Son of God fought with the devil and his demons and defeated them, taking the key of death and hell from them. In the beautiful registry of the Savior’s words, made by John, we find the following: Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last, I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.  Amen! And I have the keys of Hades and of Death (Revelation 1:17c, 18).

When the Savior defeated the devil, the Holy Spirit descended into Hell and quickened Jesus and humanity. Next, Christ was resurrected by the strength of the Comforter, and we were resurrected with Him. Then, He ascended to Heaven, sitting at the right hand of the Almighty. All who accept the Lamb’s sacrifice are quickened, resurrected with Him and justified.

Abraham was not redeemed by works, but by believing in God. In the same way, man is saved by faith. Our justification was fulfilled in Jesus. The moment we accept Him as Lord of our life, we attain His promises and can enjoy them. Halleluiah!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares